five speaking points ahead of the Super Cup

Liverpool and Chelsea will this week face off in the 1st ever all-English UEFA Super Cup.

Ahead of Wednesday’s match, PA requires a appear at 5 of the major speaking points ahead of the Besiktas Park clash.

Lampard to get 1st win – and Cup?

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has some choices to make ahead of the match (Adam Davy/PA)

Maurizio Sarri was at the helm when the Blues comprehensively overcame Arsenal four-1 to lift the Europa League in Baku. A lot has changed in the subsequent 11 weeks, with match-winner Eden Hazard leaving, a transfer ban becoming juggled and fan favourite Frank Lampard having the manager’s job. Chelsea’s all-time prime scorer endured a nightmare commence to life in charge, with his 1st match ending in a four- loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Lampard has a possibility to make amends in Istanbul on Wednesday, when a 1st victory would bring the 1st trophy of his managerial profession getting twice fallen quick in the Super Cup through his playing days.

A lot more Istanbul memories for Liverpool?

Liverpool will aim to capture the magic from their Champions League win in Istanbul from 1 years ago (Peter Byrne/PA)

It is 14 years considering the fact that the Reds enjoyed 1 of the most memorable nights in their history, overturning a 3-target half-time deficit to draw three-three and beat AC Milan on penalties to lift the Champions League at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Liverpool will be hoping to return there for the 2019/2020 finale, but 1st comes yet another shot at silverware in Istanbul as Jurgen Klopp’s guys line up at Besiktas Park in the Super Cup. Liverpool are bidding to lift the Super Cup for a fourth occasion – a fantastic possibility to lay down a marker to rivals at the commence of the season.

Can Adrian manage the stress?

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian will have a job to do (Martin Rickett/PA)

Adrian’s six-year stint with West Ham came to an finish in the summer season, getting produced 150 1st-group appearances in all competitions and twice been voted Hammer of the Year runner-up. Liverpool picked up the free of charge agent as back-up to Alisson Becker final week and now the 32-year-old finds himself preparing to line up in the UEFA Super Cup following a calf injury forced the Brazil goalkeeper off against Norwich. It is a massive stage for a 1st commence and it will be fascinating to see how Adrian gets on.

Kante to win yet another European fitness race?

N’Golo Kante has to prove his fitness for the match (Adam Davy/PA)

“We want to make a choice on him,” Lampard stated in the bowels of Besiktas Park. “He has a modest injury which we are concerned about and we will have to make a decision with him on that this evening.” In May perhaps, not only did N’Golo Kante overcome injury issues but he managed to play the complete 90 minutes as Chelsea won the Europa League. The France international managed to come off the bench at Manchester United following a disrupted summer season, only for Lampard to reveal he has sustained a new knock. Kante educated with the rest of his Chelsea group-mates on the eve of the game, but the manager has to make a decision regardless of whether to danger the midfielder.

Historic moment for women’s football

“I hope it serves as an instance to female referees, and to any young girls who could aspire to be a referee.”

Stephanie Frappart will create her name in the history books on Wednesday as she becomes the 1st female referee to officiate a UEFA men’s competitors occasion. Assisted by Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neill from the Republic of Ireland, the choice has been welcomed by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and players from each teams. A momentous occasion, O’Neill hopes it can be an inspiration to young girls across the globe.